Abstract

Shortal, Sebastian (d.1639), Cistercian monk and titular abbot of Bective, co. Meath was born in co. Kilkenny. There he received his primary education before travelling to Spain where he became a Cistercian monk at Nucale in Galicia. He taught philosophy in the seminary of St Claudius in Nucale and later in the monastery of Mons Ramorum. In 1619 he set out for Ireland accompanied by the Cistercian chronicler Malachy Harty. En route, Shortal was taken captive by Moors.